Workday Application Status Meaning and What to Do Next

You hit “Apply,” you upload your resume, and then Workday shows a status that sounds simple but feels loaded: Submitted, In Progress, Completed, maybe even Under Consideration. The problem is that these labels often reflect Workday workflow steps, not a human’s opinion of you. So it’s easy to panic, over-email recruiters, or miss your best next move.

This guide decodes the most common Workday application statuses, what they usually mean behind the scenes, and the exact next step you should take for each one. You’ll also get realistic timelines, examples, and message templates you can use without sounding desperate.

Big mindset shift: Workday is a tracking system. Most statuses are telling you where your application sits in a process, not whether you’re “winning” or “losing.”

Quick takeaway: Your goal is to stay responsive, stay visible, and keep applying strategically while Workday does its thing.

How Workday statuses really work behind the curtain

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Workday is used by thousands of employers to manage hiring at scale. That means it’s designed to move candidates through a pipeline with “steps” that look clean on a dashboard, even if the real world is messy. Understanding the mechanics will keep you from misreading signals.

Workday is a workflow, not a verdict

Most companies configure Workday differently. Two companies can use the same word, like In Progress, but mean different internal steps. Still, patterns are common.

Here’s what usually happens after you apply:

1. Your application is stored (your resume, answers, and profile).

2. Knockout questions are checked (availability, location, eligibility).

3. Screening rules may run (sometimes automated, sometimes human).

4. A recruiter reviews a batch of applications.

5. Shortlisted candidates move to interview steps.

Your status changes when Workday sees a step completed or triggered. That change can happen:

• Immediately (automated)

• In batches (recruiter reviews 50 at once)

• Late (someone forgets to update the workflow)

Takeaway: A status update is often an admin signal, not a personal signal.

Why you’ll see “Submitted,” “In Progress,” and “Completed” for the same application

Workday can show statuses that refer to different things:

• Application status (where you are in the hiring workflow)

• Task status (whether you completed an action like an assessment)

• Profile status (whether your candidate account is active)

So if you completed a task, Workday might say Completed even though your application is still waiting for review.

Takeaway: Always ask: “Completed what?” A task, a step, or the entire application?

Common confusion: “Under Consideration” vs “In Progress”

These two cause the most second-guessing.

• Under Consideration often means your application made it past an initial filter and is in a review pile that’s “still alive.”

• In Progress often means there’s an action happening somewhere in the workflow, which could be automated or human.

Sometimes, “In Progress” can also mean the company is still accepting applications and hasn’t processed yours yet.

Takeaway: Both statuses can be good, but neither guarantees an interview.

A realistic timeline (so you don’t refresh every hour)

Hiring timelines vary, but here’s a realistic rhythm at many employers:

• 0 to 2 days: Application logs as Submitted; automation runs.

• 3 to 10 days: Recruiter reviews batches; status may change to Under Consideration or remain Submitted.

• 1 to 4 weeks: Interviews scheduled for a short list; others may sit unchanged.

Silence is common, especially for high-volume roles.

Takeaway: Don’t pause your job search while waiting. Keep applying and keep improving your materials.

Status-by-status decoding with the exact next step

Below are the most common Workday statuses and what to do right now. Each “next step” is written to be simple and practical, so you can act without spiraling.

“Submitted” (Workday application status submitted meaning)

What it usually means:

• Your application successfully entered the system.

• It may not have been seen by a human yet.

• Your answers may still be going through a basic eligibility screen.

What it does not mean:

• That you’re rejected.

• That you’re being actively reviewed.

Exact next step (do this today):

1. Save a copy of the job description (paste into a doc). Many postings disappear or change.

2. Tailor a version 2 resume for the same job family (not necessarily that exact role). Focus on matching keywords from the posting.

3. Apply to 2 to 5 similar roles at the same company, if they fit, rather than waiting.

If you can identify the recruiter or hiring manager: Send a short, specific note within 2 to 5 business days. Keep it about fit and impact.

Message template:

Hi [Name], I applied for the [Role] and wanted to share a quick detail that matches your posting: I recently [relevant achievement]. If helpful, I can also share examples of [relevant work]. Thanks for your time.

Mini case study: Taylor applies to a customer support role and sits on “Submitted” for a week. Instead of waiting, Taylor applies to two other support roles at the same company, adjusts the resume to emphasize ticketing systems and metrics (response time, CSAT), and messages a recruiter with one measurable result. Taylor gets a screening call for the second role, while the first role never updates.

Takeaway: “Submitted” is your signal to keep momentum, not to hold your breath.

“In Progress” (workday application status in progress meaning)

What it usually means:

• Your application is moving through one or more steps.

• You may have an open task (assessment, questionnaire, scheduling).

• A recruiter might be reviewing, or the role might be in a batch workflow.

Exact next step (do this immediately):

1. Log into Workday Candidate Home and click into the application.

2. Look for Tasks, To Do, Questionnaires, or Assessments.

3. If anything is pending, finish it within 24 to 48 hours.

If there are no tasks visible:

• Treat “In Progress” as “waiting for review.”

• Your best move is to strengthen your candidacy outside the system.

Practical actions that increase your odds:

• Update your resume bullets to include numbers (volume, speed, accuracy, revenue, savings).

• Prepare a 30-second pitch tailored to the role.

• Identify 1 internal employee on LinkedIn and ask for a quick insight, not a referral request.

Scenario: Jordan sees “In Progress” and assumes it’s a good sign. But Workday actually shows an uncompleted assessment under Tasks. Jordan completes it that night and the status moves forward. The candidates who missed the assessment never progressed.

Takeaway: “In Progress” is a prompt to check for tasks first, then improve your visibility.

“Completed” (workday application status completed meaning)

This one is tricky because Workday uses “Completed” in different ways.

What it usually means:

• You completed an application step (submitted forms, finished an assessment, finished scheduling).

• The system currently has everything it needs from you.

What it does not necessarily mean:

• That the hiring process is finished.

• That you got the job.

Exact next step (do this next):

1. Confirm there’s nothing left for you to do inside Workday (no pending tasks).

2. Create your follow-up plan:

   • If you have a contact, follow up once after 5 to 7 business days.

   • If you don’t, keep applying elsewhere while waiting.

3. Prepare for a screening call anyway (because “Completed” can precede outreach).

Follow-up template:

Hi [Name], I completed my application for [Role]. I’m still very interested because [1 specific reason tied to their needs]. If you’re still reviewing candidates, I’d love to be considered. Happy to share anything else you need.

Mini case study: Sam completes an assessment and sees “Completed.” Sam assumes that’s a rejection and stops checking. A recruiter emails two days later to schedule a phone screen. Sam replies late and loses a preferred interview slot. The fix is simple: treat “Completed” as “your part is done for now,” and stay responsive.

Takeaway: “Completed” often means you’re done waiting on yourself, not that the employer is done with you.

“Under Consideration” vs “In Progress” (workday under consideration vs in progress)

Under Consideration usually signals you’re in a review pool that has not been ruled out.

Exact next step:

• If you have any internal connection, now is the moment to ask for role insight or a referral.

• If you don’t, your best move is to send one targeted follow-up (not three) and then keep applying.

In Progress can mean anything from “reviewing” to “waiting for assessment.”

Exact next step:

• Check tasks first. If none, treat it like Under Consideration and focus on strengthening your candidacy.

Takeaway: Under Consideration often suggests human eyes are more likely involved, but you still need a plan that doesn’t depend on a single application.

Candidate Home statuses and what “Active vs Inactive” means

Workday often shows a “Candidate Home” view where you can see your profile and multiple applications. Two common profile-level signals are Active and Inactive, and they can create unnecessary panic.

“Active” vs “Inactive” in Candidate Home (workday candidate home active vs inactive status)

Active usually means:

• Your candidate account is usable.

• You can apply, edit your profile, and access tasks.

Inactive can mean:

• You haven’t logged in for a while.

• The employer’s system deactivated your profile automatically.

• Your account is tied to an old email or duplicate profile.

• In some configurations, it can also appear after a job closes.

Important: Inactive does not automatically mean you were rejected for every role. It often refers to account status, not application outcome.

Exact next step if you see Inactive:

1. Try logging out and logging back in.

2. Reset your password and confirm you can access your applications.

3. Search your email for any Workday messages about verification.

4. If you can’t access your application history, contact the employer’s HR support address listed on the job posting page.

Takeaway: Treat “Inactive” as an account access issue first, not a hiring decision.

When multiple applications show different statuses

It’s normal to have one application marked “Submitted,” another “In Progress,” and another “Not Selected” all at the same time.

That happens because each job has its own workflow, recruiter, and urgency.

Exact next step:

• Track each application like a mini-project.

• Use a simple spreadsheet with columns: Company, Role, Date Applied, Status, Next Action, Follow-Up Date.

Takeaway: Your job search feels calmer when you track actions, not just statuses.

The biggest hidden factor: knockout questions

A major reason candidates get stuck at Submitted is knockout screening. Many employers ask eligibility questions like:

• Are you authorized to work?

• Can you work specific shifts?

• Do you meet a certification requirement?

If your answers disqualify you, Workday may quietly route you out, or keep you in a status that never progresses.

Exact next step:

• Review your saved answers, if Workday allows.

• If you accidentally answered incorrectly (for example, availability), reapply only if the employer allows it, or apply to a better-fitting role.

Takeaway: Being honest matters, but so does reading questions carefully.

A simple playbook to move forward without overthinking

Statuses are only useful if they drive smart action. Here’s a practical, repeatable approach that keeps you proactive without becoming overwhelmed.

The 48-hour rule: do everything you control fast

Within 48 hours of applying:

• Save the job description

• Tailor your resume for that job family

• Prepare 3 stories (problem, action, result)

• Check Workday for tasks and complete them

This doesn’t guarantee an interview, but it prevents avoidable losses.

Takeaway: Speed and clarity beat constant refreshing.

Follow up once, then widen your funnel

A clean follow-up strategy:

1. If status is Submitted or In Progress with no tasks, wait 5 to 7 business days.

2. Send one message to the recruiter or hiring contact (if you have it).

3. If no response, shift energy to applying to new roles.

If you don’t have contact info, don’t force it. Many recruiters can’t respond to every applicant, and repeated pings can backfire.

Takeaway: One quality follow-up is respectful. Multiple nudges usually aren’t.

A realistic case study: how a strong candidate handles Workday

Alex applies for an operations role. Workday shows:

• Day 1: Submitted

• Day 3: In Progress

• Day 6: Completed

Alex’s actions:

• Day 1: Saves posting, updates resume bullets to match “process improvement” language.

• Day 2: Applies to two similar roles at the same company.

• Day 3: Checks tasks, completes an assessment immediately.

• Day 7: Sends a short follow-up that includes one measurable result.

Outcome: Alex gets a screen for one of the three roles. Two remain unchanged for weeks.

Takeaway: The win often comes from running a smart process, not from interpreting a single status.

If you’re career-switching, statuses can be noisier

Career switchers often have solid skills but different keywords, which can keep them in “Submitted” longer.

A practical fix is to rewrite bullets using the employer’s language (truthfully), and add one short “translation” line in your resume summary.

Example:

• If you worked in retail and want an office role, highlight scheduling, inventory tracking, training, and handling escalations.

If you’re in the middle of switching paths, this guide pairs well with Step by Step Career Switch With AI Tools No School Needed.

Takeaway: Matching language helps people and systems recognize your fit faster.

Your final checklist by status

Submitted

• Next step: Save posting, tailor resume, apply to similar roles.

In Progress

• Next step: Check tasks, complete assessments, stay ready for outreach.

Completed

• Next step: Confirm no tasks, plan one follow-up, stay responsive.

Under Consideration

• Next step: One targeted follow-up, optional internal connection outreach.

Active vs Inactive (Candidate Home)

• Next step: Troubleshoot account access, verify email, contact HR support if locked out.

Takeaway: A status is only useful if it tells you what to do next.

If you’re stuck watching Workday statuses change without clarity, don’t let the system run your confidence. Use the steps above to stay in control: complete tasks fast, follow up once with purpose, and keep your application funnel moving.

For more practical job-search strategy that doesn’t waste your time, read Job Hunting Tips That Actually Work.

All images in this article are from Pexels: Photo 1 by cottonbro studio on Pexels. Thank you to these talented photographers for making their work freely available.